Wiers Farm is recalling cucumbers distributed to Walmart stores due to Listeria

Wiers Farm Inc. of Willard, OH, is voluntarily recalling whole cucumbers with a pack date of June 5 and bagged salad cucumbers with a pack date of June 5 and 6 after testing showed them to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The company announced the recall on July 12, but the Food and Drug Administration did not announce it until July 16.

The cucumbers were distributed to Walmart stores in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.

The cucumbers were not grown or harvested by Wiers Farm. They came from an undisclosed out-of-state source and then processed and distributed by Wiers Farm. Wiers Farm Inc. is working closely with regulatory officials regarding the recall.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development discovered the potential contamination through routine sampling.

To date, no illnesses or consumer complaints have been reported to the company.

The recalled products were sold in plain packaging with the words Wiers Farm on the label. The recall includes whole cucumbers ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 inches in diameter and 6 to 9 inches in length.

Also included in the recall are “salad cucumbers” sold in 2-pound bags. They are in clear plastic bags.

Consumers must throw away the cucumbers. The affected product is past its expiration date and should no longer be distributed. But if consumers have a product they are unsure about, do not consume it, but rather throw it away. For questions or concerns, consumers can contact the company at 419-933-2161 or email customercare@wiersfarm.com.

“We have taken immediate steps to address this isolated incident, and we are working closely with the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) to ensure a quick resolution,” the company’s recall notice said.

About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell putrid, but it can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Everyone who ate something remembered that Product and have developed symptoms of a Listeria infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctor about possible exposure to Listeria.

Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled cucumbers should monitor themselves for symptoms in the coming weeks, as symptoms of listeriosis can develop up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria.

Symptoms of a Listeria infection may include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headaches, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are needed to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other diseases.

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children and people such as cancer patients with weakened immune systems are at particular risk of serious illness, life-threatening infections, other complications and death. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to preterm labor, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

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